Accounting Pros

Small-business owners must choose among a bewildering array of accounting-service options when it's time to prepare tax returns and financial statements. (See table below.) While CPAs are the most expensive option, they're more than worth the cost, given the rigor of their training, peer review, and regulation. The AICPA publishes a directory of 6,000 member CPA firms, all of which provide their CPAs with at least 120 hours of continuing education every three years and undergo a peer review of accounting and auditing practices every three years. The directory is free; to order it call (800) 272-3476 (in New York, 212-575-6446). -- Researched by Chris Caggiano